Environment Minister John Griffiths cycled 285 miles from North to South Wales in just four days in a bid to promote cycling as a form of sustainable travel and an enjoyable way of maintaining health and wellbeing.

Environment Minister John Griffiths cycled 285 miles from North to South Wales in just four days in a bid to promote cycling as a form of sustainable travel and an enjoyable way of maintaining health and wellbeing.

Mr Griffiths began his trek in Holyhead on April 1 and stopped off in Porth Madog, Dolgellau, Aberystwyth, Rhayader, Brecon, Crickhowell and Merthyr.

En route he visited the cycling trails and visitor centre at Coed y Brenin and attended a meeting in Aberystwyth about the official opening of the Wales Coast Path on May 5.

The minister also called in at an RSPB site near Rhayader to see how money from sales of carrier bags at Tesco is being spent to improve the visitor experience and enhance conservation work.

Mr Griffiths said: “This has been a fabulous experience and the rain, wind, sleet and snow have certainly made it challenging. It has reinforced to me how lucky we are to live in a country that enjoys fabulous views and first rate cycle path facilities.

“Wales really does have a huge amount to offer cyclists and our cycling facilities attract thousands of visitors to Wales each year.”

He added: “It really is a great way of keeping fit, and enjoying Wales’ unique coast and countryside.

“Of course cycling is also the sustainable choice and is often a quick, cheap and easy way of travelling short journeys.

“Increased rates of cycling really can help us to reduce our reliance on cars and cut down on our carbon emissions.”

Mr Griffiths was joined for the last leg of his journey by Lee Waters, director of Sustrans Cymru, who pointed out more than £1m worth of improvements that have recently been made to the Merthyr section of the Taf Trail.

The improvements were funded by a combination of Welsh Government and European funding.

Mr Waters said: “It is quite an achievement to have cycled from North to South Wales and it is great that the minister has jumped on his bike to see for himself the beauty of the National Cycle Network in Wales.”

Proceeds from the bike ride are being passed to official Welsh Government charities for 2012, the Alzheimer’s Society and Tools for Self Reliance Cymru.